With the regular season still a few days away Clemson has already suffered its first significant injury of the 2017 season. Monte Lee announced Tuesday that Chris Williams, projected to start at catcher, will be out four to six weeks with a hand injury. Williams injured his hand swinging the bat during the team’s final scrimmage Sunday.

Lee called the injury a “tough blow” and likened it to a football team losing its starting quarterback before the season opener. Last season Williams hit .245 with 8 homers, 34 runs, five doubles, one triple and 38 RBIs.

Freshman Kyle Wilkie or junior Robert Jolley are the two candidates to replace Williams in the lineup. Both are inexperienced, but capable, according to Lee.

Clemson will open its season Friday at home against Wright State.

Below you can watch Monte Lee discuss that injury and preview the start of the Tigers season.